Today the 14th episode of the topic Meet the Person with Ben Viapiana. This topic Meet the Person is about passionate people, people in the denim industry. In Meet the Person I will give you an insight into their life; who are they, what are they doing, what makes them so special, where are they working on, etc. etc.

This new episode of Meet the Person is with Ben Viapiana (Bespoke Denim Tailor). Thanks for sharing your great denim story Ben!

My father is a tailor from Italy and he taught me a fair bit about patterning, cutting and sewing. But I only really learned about denim when I went to Asia. I lived in Thailand for 10 years and while I was there, I hung out at denim factories and made friends with people in the industry.

What are you doing at the moment:

I sew different jeans everyday!! Check my Instagram to see!

Ben Viapiana at work on a custom pair of selvedge jeans.

Where are you the most proud of so far as it comes to your work:

I love seeing customers faces when they try on their new pair. I also have little “proud moments” when I hear other people in the industry know who I am.

What’s the biggest denim trend(s) right now in your opinion:

Trends are tricky, when too many people talk about the trend, it dies…Railroad conductor gear was hot for a minute. But that can die!! Haha

And what would be the next denim trend:

I always hope that uniform styles will come back in a hard way.

What’s your favorite denim brand(s):

I really like Warehouse, One Piece of Rock, Pure Blue Japan, Full Count, Strike Gold, Levi’s, Lee, Wrangler, and a bunch more..

Where is your inspiration coming from:

My inspiration comes from seeing great stitch work in old garments. I like sewing the product almost more than actually seeing it finished so the manufacturing process is very important to me.

Different bespoke pairs of jeans by Ben Viapiana.

What’s your favorite denim item in your closet en why:

My jacket is pretty good. I haven’t been able to break in a jacket in more than 10 years as I lived in Thailand. But now I’m stoked that I get to layer here in Toronto.

Denim jacket by Ben Viapiana.

What’s your favorite denim fit:

The fit I make for you.

Ben Viapiana at work in his atelier.

What’s your favorite denim city:

Ibara, Japan…where all the looms are.

Who’s your favorite denim designer:

A lot of people can make a repro, but not many can make a change. Mohsin Sajid is very creative, Roy puts nice twists on classic looks.

Mohsin Sajid and Ben in Yokohama, Japan.

What do you think it’s the best invention in the denim industry:

For the industry in general it would probably be stone washing. Even though I don’t do it, I have, and people love it.

Who’s your denim hero & why:

I don’t think I personally look up to someone specific. I like qualities from different people.

What’s your favorite denim store:

My shop, but if you’re going to support anyone, go to their brick and mortar and buy there. It’ll mean more to the buyer and the seller.

What are your ultimate denim accessories:

I’ve been wearing the same uniform for 10 years now. Plain white tee with blue jeans. I guess a good belt or some ‘pocket flair’ (ie. bandana) could be good.